Magnitude 6.8 Earthquake Strikes Eastern Cuba, Residents Report Intense Shaking

A powerful 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Cuba, causing significant shaking in Santiago de Cuba. Though some damage was observed, especially in older buildings near the epicenter, no tsunami threat was outlined. This event is part of a series of recent natural disasters affecting the region, complicated by existing power outages and recovery efforts.

Eastern Cuba experienced a significant earthquake of magnitude 6.8, as reported by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The tremor shook the city of Santiago de Cuba, the island’s second largest metropolis, along with surrounding areas. This quake, centered near Bartolome Maso in Granma province, was felt strongly by many residents, with reports of violent shaking leading to items falling from shelves within homes and buildings. The region, known for its aging infrastructure, is particularly vulnerable to such seismic events. In interviews conducted by Reuters, local inhabitants expressed that the quake was among the most intense they had ever experienced. Yolanda Tabío, aged 76, recounted how residents hurried outdoors, remaining in doorways for safety. Although she noted feeling several aftershocks, Tabío stated that no significant damages had been communicated among her contacts. The earthquake’s epicenter was calculated at a depth of 14 kilometers, and while initial estimates suggested it was a magnitude 5.8, this was later adjusted to reflect its true intensity. Fortunately, the US National Tsunami Warning Center announced that there was no imminent tsunami threat following the earthquake. This recent seismic event adds to Cuba’s challenges, as the eastern part of the island had recently endured destruction from Hurricane Oscar in October, and experienced a power outage due to grid collapse following Hurricane Rafael. Recovery efforts from these disasters are ongoing, with widespread blackouts still plaguing many areas, complicating communication efforts. Cuba’s seismic activity frequently occurs along the southeastern coastline, where a fault line delineates the boundary between the North American and Caribbean tectonic plates. However, the capital city of Havana remained unaffected by this earthquake.

An earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale significant enough to impact eastern Cuba has raised considerable concern. This region is prone to seismic activity due to its geological positioning along the boundary of two tectonic plates. Previous disasters, including Hurricane Oscar and Hurricane Rafael, have exacerbated the vulnerability of local infrastructure, highlighting the challenges faced by residents of this area. The historical context of the location, particularly its ties to Fidel Castro, further emphasizes the significance of the affected area.

The recent 6.8 magnitude earthquake in eastern Cuba serves as a stark reminder of the region’s seismic vulnerability and the ongoing challenges stemming from previous natural disasters. As recovery efforts continue, local residents remain on alert for aftershocks, underscoring the need for preparedness in earthquake-prone zones. The lack of severe damage reported is a relief, yet the need for robust infrastructure to withstand such events is evident.

Original Source: www.canberratimes.com.au